Date : Oct 3, 2004

To: LUPC

From: Ann Giagni

Subject: Policy Discussion Regarding Criteria for Approval or Disapproval of Projects

I think it is very important that LUPC develop a policy for approval or disapproval of projects the for following reasons:

1. Lacking a framework for making such decisions the committee is at risk of unintentionally setting undesirable precedents.

2. In discussions with the council office regarding the CDO for Lincoln Boulevard Council Member Miscikowski suggested developing a mechanism of flexibility to enable approval of unanticipated wonderful development that would otherwise not conform to the CDO/Specific Plan.

I also think it is very important that this policy discussion meaningfully involve the general public and developers. Therefore I recommend that this discussion take place over several meetings and that representatives from key stakeholder communities be invited to present ideas in 10 minute timeslots. Additionally I think it is important that the committee hear from city staff regarding broad areas to consider eg physical limitations of the property, legal requirements, furtherance of specific plan goals, etc.

At this time I recommend that the November agenda include a discussion/action item wherein the committee will decide the timeline and framework for this discussion, decide which stakeholder communities (and if possible representatives from each) will be invited to present and at which meeting, develop a list of questions to be responded to by appropriate city staff, and inquire of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment if any other neighborhood councils have developed such policies. If the answer is yes, this committee may wish to review the policies and/or talk to appropriate representatives.